One problem related to battery cable has been reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Approximately in 2006, with only 30,000 miles, I noticed antifreeze pooling under my 1097 Silverado pickup. I took my vehicle to an auto repair shop and was told that it needed a new radiator. The radiator was replaced. Approximately one month later the same problem. The radiator was again leaking. The radiator was replaced three times until the owner of the repair shop stated that he would no longer replace the radiator and explained that the 1997 Silverado pickup was known for a condition called. Electrolysis. It was suggested that I remove the battery cable after each time I drove the vehicle. I started to removing the positive battery cable and within 3 weeks the same problem. I then contacted rudolph Chevrolet dealership in el paso, texas. They refused to tackle the problem and referred me to emmitt radiator shop, also in el paso, texas. They advised that they would charge $80. 00 per hour with a minimum of 10 to 12 hours with no guarantee. They did suggest that I remove both positive and negative battery cables. This is where the problem with the exploding battery comes to light. When I would try to remove the battery cables after each trip, even to the movies or out to dinner, the battery would be so hot that it would burn my hands. I also kept replacing the batteries and finally ask a saleswoman at auto zone supply house what was wrong with the batteries and he pointed to the battery and said, "look at the sides of the battery, how it is extending outward it could explode". Again I was told me that they did not have the equipment to fix the problem. This falls into the category of a lemon and general motors knew of this problem or should have known of this problem the the 1997 Silverado pickup and have placed consumers in harms way.